MyFishFinder.com Just like iceshanty but warmer
My experience is that when the rod gets cold you don't need protection! I played around with the high end rods for a while. TUCR, Thorne bros, Customs (still have a bunch), DH, 13 fishing, etc. Was so worried about breaking them that I had to baby everything, even with a hard case i didn't feel good about them. Finally went to $9 HT ice blues rods and caught just as many fish and now I don't give a crap if I break it! I toss them across the ice, leave in buckets for transport, and loan them to friends whenever I feel like it. Its a huge stress relief!
I'd have to disagree with the ice blue crowd. I own one and its the last rod out of the box. Sure it works, cost like $10 to replace, and require no protection because who cares if it breaks but its not nearly as enjoyable to use. Ive use a cheap soft case with the PVC tube and never broke a rod. Recently got a plano case for $40 that holds 6 rods and all my tackle.